Multicultural Malaysia

Arrive at the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Known affectionately as KL, the “Garden City of Lights” is a modern Asian city that has managed to maintain its charm, character and local color. Skyscrapers and ultra-modern structures exist alongside old colonial homes, Chinese temples and open-air hawker food stalls. The rest of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a festive welcome dinner with cultural dances and a musical presentation. After dinner visit a Chinese night market to gain insight in local trading, and photograph and shop for unique Chinese handicrafts.

Discover the exciting landmarks of the city. View the splendor of the King’s Palace and the impressive Parliament House. Learn about Malaysia’s glorious past at the National Museum. Visit the National Monument at Lake Garden. Proceed to the beautiful National Mosque. Finally, drive past the Railway Station to catch a glimpse of its unique architecture. Return to the hotel, where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure. Travel by air to Kota Kinabalu, gateway and capital to Sabah, the “land below the wind.” Formerly known as Jesselton, the original town was destroyed during World War II. Kota Kinabalu’s inspiration surely comes from the awesome Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 4,101 meters.

Spend your day exploring, learning life in Borneo, local arts & crafts and more. Try your hand catching crabs, learn how to do batik paintings, bamboo rafting through mangroves, Learn to make `The Tarik’. Meet with locals, visit their homes and learn about their culture & lifestyle.

Travel to Sandakan, the gateway to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Selingan (Turtle) Island. This world-famous sanctuary enables visitors to come in close contact with the remarkable “man of the forest,” the Orangutan, and witness an exciting conservation program in action. Here, young orphaned or captive orangutans are taught the survival skills they’ll need to return to their natural habitat. From a viewing platform near the feeding area, you can see and photograph these gentle creatures climbing trees and swinging on ropes and vines. Tour the city of Sandakan before your return flight to Kota Kinabalu.

A longboat will transport you through the deep green jungle waterways to a traditional Iban longhouse, where inhabitants demonstrate their weaving and husbandry skills. Approximately 18 families of the Iban tribe live under one roof of the longhouse. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic waterfall in the Batang Ai National Park.

Today’s excursion transports you deep into the ethereal mountain landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for generations. Explore on foot or by bicycle alongside emerald green rice paddies to visit with a local farmer and his family. Return back to Guilin for overnight. GUILIN PLAZA HOTEL; BL

Return to Kuching after breakfast. Embark on a boat cruise for the experience of a lifetime: cruising along the picturesque Sarawak River. Observe boats of different shapes and sizes engrossed in their daily activities, and village children frolicking and diving in the silt river. Sit back and enjoy the magnificent view of the Astana, a former Palace of the White Rajahs built by Charles Brooke in 1870, which now serves as the official residence of the head of state. Other places of interest are historic Fort Margherita, Square Tower, Brooke Dockyard, the mosque, Malay houses on stilts, the Wet Market, shipyards and ice factory.

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Kuching City, where perfectly preserved colonial buildings blend elegantly with gracious modern architecture. Visit City Tower for a panoramic view of Kuching City. Continue to the magnificent City Mosque, and the delightful market of exotic fruits and vegetables. Visit the Sarawak Museum and stroll along the impressive Kuching Waterfront to view Brooke’s Palace and examples of Brooke’s legacy. Afternoon tour of the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum that presents an authentic portrayal of almost every Sarawak ethnic group. The village, built around a lake, offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse multi-racial cultures of the “Land of the Hornbills.” Among the various representations are Bidayuh, Iban, Penan, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Malay and Chinese. Tour the various ethnic houses,

from the traditional Iban longhouses to Penan settlements. At the mini-theatre, enjoy a superb cultural show displaying the various traditional dances of Sarawak. Definitely, a must-see attraction!

Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight, or extend your tour in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand or elsewhere.